Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my French in St. Catharines and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have several principal choices for learning French interactively in St. Catharines. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, check centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are less pricey.) Your second possibility can be local commercial language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can find a private French tutor in St. Catharines. If flexibility is key, you can compare local St. Catharines and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap to learn French and what are the ballpark lesson costs for French tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate French course cost as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for 45-48 course hours each semester. Language academies and independent French tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced French tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, positive reviews and specialization. Customer review average for French lessons on Preply is 4.92 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for French language skill level to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared prove your profeciency level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and exams, so research each program in advance. With personal French tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French not easy and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn French. According to experts, you can gain basic French fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback five hours a week you will be able to understand most expressions, speak on some level, shop and place orders in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of French. After attaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have French tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of French?
Some people just have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in French will demand at least 600 hours of practice. The length of time can differ quite a bit depending on your already acquired level of French or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, write by hand and online using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try other ways to think and speak in French out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational French classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own French tutor?
In language centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, of course! The largest selection of verified French tutors with full profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges run classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools give shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, allows the flexibility to schedule lessons around your commitments, on weekdays and/or weekends.